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Home › Articles › Toddler Health › SARS Wars

SARS Wars

Protecting Your Family

By Teri Brown

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  • Do not minimize the danger of SARS, but put the problem into a realistic perspective.

  • Give factual information about SARS.
  • Discuss concerns in terms that your child can understand.
  • It is OK for parents to talk about their own concerns and anxiety in an honest way.
  • It is scary for children if they feel that adults are too afraid to talk or are hiding something.
  • Feel free to say when you don't know the answer, and be willing to find out information.
Offer Reassurance
  • Explain to your child that there are practical steps he/she can take, such as hand washing, to minimize the threat.
  • Make sure they understand that they should not share snacks or drinks with friends.
  • Engage in normal family routines. This is comforting, because it is familiar and predictable.
  • Be prepared to spend a little more time with your child to convey that you are available to them.

SARS and Motherhood
Scientist and doctors are working nonstop to find more answers about this virus. At this point, we have no idea of the answers to questions such as how SARS may affect an unborn baby or a child who nurses. Until we do, parents such as Diane Wolf will continue to remain on guard. "As far as medical science has come, they seem to conquer one problem only to have a new one crop up," says Wolf. "Until they get a handle on controlling SARS, I will continue to be vigilant."

Signs of SARS

According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention symptoms of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) may include:

  • A fever greater than 100.4 degrees F (38.0 degrees C).
  • Headache.
  • An overall feeling of discomfort.
  • Body aches.
  • Mild respiratory symptoms.
  • After two to seven days, SARS patients may develop a dry cough and have trouble breathing.

The CDC recommends calling your doctor if you think you may have SARS instead of going directly to the office or hospital. Remember, you are only at risk of contracting SARS if you have recently made a trip to Asia or have had face-to-face contact with someone who has SARS.


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